Crucified to the World, Alive in Christ
Galatians 6:14 declares: "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
This verse expresses the essence of true Christian identity and humility. The apostle Paul denounces any pride in human achievement or religious ritual. His only boast is in the cross—the redemptive work of Jesus that forever separates the believer from the corrupt values of the world.
Paul’s message directly confronts those who gloried in outward signs such as circumcision (Galatians 6:13). Instead, he says in Philippians 3:3, “For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
To boast in the cross is to die to the world. Paul affirms this in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
The believer’s life is not about self-glory but about glorifying God (1 Corinthians 10:31). As Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
Romans 6:6 adds: “Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.” The cross becomes not only the means of salvation but also the pattern of our new life—one marked by sacrifice, humility, and eternal purpose.
However, this deep understanding is reserved for those who love God with all their heart and soul, keep Jesus’ commandments, and do the will of God. Without such love and obedience, the meaning of the cross is veiled.
Only those who fully surrender to God’s will can truly boast in the cross—living crucified to the world and raised in the power of Christ.
